Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTDave Kovaleski, The Motley FoolThu, July 16, 2026 at 11:04 PM GMT+2 4 min readSome people call big banks the bellwethers of the economy. If that's the case, things may not be all that bad, at least judging by the performance of JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) in the second quarter.The nation's largest bank had a record quarter, crushing analysts' estimates. JPMorgan Chase generated a record net income of $21.2 billion, up 41% year over year. Earnings were $7.70 per share, up 47% year over year. On an adjusted basis, the bank earned $16.9 billion, or $6.14 per share. The adjustments were related to special items, which consisted mostly of a one-time $4.6 billion gain from its equity stake in Visa. Analysts had expected earnings of $5.59 per share, so this blew past those estimates.Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »Revenue also set a record, coming in at $57.3 billion, up 28% year over year and significantly above estimates of $51.1 billion. CEO Jamie Dimon said the firm had record revenue across all lines of business."It's getting close to as good as it gets," Dimon said on the earnings call. "We just don't know how long it's going to last."Image source: Getty Images.Improving outlookIt could certainly last a bit longer, as the bank's credit quality also improved.Net charge-offs, which are bad loans unlikely to be repaid, fell by $44 billion year over year. In Card Services, the net charge-off rate was down to 3.34% from 3.47% in the first quarter. For the full year, JPMorgan Chase lowered its net charge-off rate in Card Services to 3.2%, down from its previous guidance of 3.4%.Further, the bank lowered its provision for credit losses, which is money set aside for potential losses. It was down 12% year over year to $2.5 billion.The bank also raised its net interest income guidance for fiscal 2026 from $103 billion to $105.5 billion.Investment banking and trading revenue surgeNet interest income rose a robust 10% to $25.6 billion, but the real alpha came from noninterest or fee revenue, which surged 45% to $32.4 billion.Of JPMʻs three main businesses, Commercial and Investment Banking was the earnings driver. Revenue spiked 27%, and earnings rose 46% in this segment. The biggest boost came from investment banking, which saw revenue spike 45% year over year, and its institutional trading business, where revenue soared 33%. Within the trading business, equity market trading revenue skyrocketed 86% to $6 billion, fueled by a major market rally in April and May.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info